Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands

Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands

Themes

  • Literature

  • Film Locations

  • Historical

Associations

  • NTHP
  • The Royal Oak Foundation

Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands

Prices From $5,100p/p

The dramatic west coast of Scotland is home to a swathe of unspoilt islands full of breathtaking natural beauty, ancient monuments and a diversity of wildlife, with every isle having its own distinct personality. We mix the historical and natural appeal of these islands with fascinating stories of Scottish clans, iconic castles, vibrant Scottish cities and one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

Special extras included in your itinerary

• Guided coach tour of Glasgow
• Private morning visit at Hill House
• Boat cruise on Loch Lomond
• Guided tour, private collections talk and afternoon tea at Mount Stuart House
• Guided tour of Inveraray Castle
• Introductory talk at Duart Castle
• Afternoon tea aboard the Jacobite Train
• Guided walking tour of Edinburgh
• Burns Supper at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Day 1
Arrival

On arrival at Glasgow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Mar Hall Hotel where we stay for four nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Day 2
Glasgow and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Our first visit is to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Situated on the River Clyde, Glasgow has recently evolved to become a vibrant and cultural city with a mix of striking architectural styles, a rich industrial heritage and a unique Celtic charm. We enjoy a guided coach tour to see the city’s highlights.

 

In the afternoon, we visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which houses one of Europe’s great art collections. 22 themed galleries display an astonishing 8,000 objects, ranging from Dutch Old Masters and Scottish Art to Natural History and ancient Egyptian artifacts.

 

Later, we dine together at a restaurant in Glasgow before returning to our hotel.

Day 3
Pollok House and Loch Lomond Cruise

We start the day after breakfast at our hotel with a private morning visit at Pollok House, situated on the outskirts of Glasgow. Pollok House was where the Scottish National Trust began, back in 1931. The discussions for the founding of the National Trust for Scotland took place inside Pollok’s cedar-panelled smoking room. Now the house is undoubtedly one of the grandest in their care.


This elegant stately home is set in the scenic Pollok Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow. The Maxwell family lived for six centuries on the site, but the main part of the present house was built in the mid-18th century – an example of Georgian grandeur that would be at home in a Jane Austen novel. The house was extended in the early 20th century, but the 18th-century features were sympathetically preserved. Inside, Pollok’s crown is its art collection. Sir William Stirling Maxwell amassed an extraordinary number of Spanish paintings, and portraits of the Habsburg rulers of Spain hang alongside powerful religious scenes. Downstairs, the extent of the tiled passageway is an eye-opener to the scale of work it took to run this magnificent house. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the house led by costumed staff, followed by an included light lunch of soup and sandwiches.

We then travel northwards and embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water on mainland Britain. The loch is situated amidst one of Scotland’s most idyllic and unspoilt areas in the Trossachs National Park and boasts a stunning mountain backdrop and a variety of wildlife.

After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Day 4
Mount Stuart House and the Isle of Bute

A special day awaits us as we catch the ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House. This magnificent 19th-century Neo-Gothic palace was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. A highlight of this lavishly designed house is the majestic Marble Hall with its vaulted ceiling. Mount Stuart was also one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age, being the first house in Scotland to be purpose built with electric light, central heating and a telephone system.

Mount Stuart also houses the Bute Collection, one of the foremost private collections of artwork and artifacts in the UK, especially notable for its British portraiture from the 18th and 19th centuries, 16th-century Italian masterpieces and Dutch and Flemish Old Masters. Our day here includes a guided tour of the house, a private collections talk and afternoon tea.

We enjoy dinner together back at our hotel tonight.

Day 5
Inveraray Castle and Isle of Mull

Checking out of the hotel, we head first to Inveraray Castle. Ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, this magnificent castle stands on the shores of Loch Fyne. Built between 1745 and 1790, the castle’s opulent interiors contain a superb armoury collection, French tapestries, fine furniture, precious artworks and family heirlooms which span the many generations of the Campbells, which we learn about on our guided tour. The castle also featured in the much-loved Downton Abbey TV series.

Afterwards, we travel to Oban and board the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. We then check in to the Isle of Mull Hotel, our base for the next two nights. This classic Scottish Isles standard hotel offers a warm welcome with outstanding views. We dine together at the hotel tonight. 

Day 6
Duart Castle and Isle of Iona*

13th-century Duart Castle is one of the most iconic castles in the Highlands with a long and often bloody history, which we learn about on our introductory talk. Seat of the Clan Maclean, the castle stands proudly on a rocky outcrop guarding the Sound of Mull and was completely refurbished in 1911 by Sir Fitzroy Maclean. The ancient keep, battlements and dungeons contrast with the magnificent Banqueting Hall and Edwardian State Rooms.

We then travel to Fionnphort to catch the ferry to the Isle of Iona. This tiny island is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long but is steeped in history, being the cradle of Scottish Christianity. Ancient historical sites include Iona Abbey and the picturesque ruins of Iona Nunnery. The island is also home to stunning white shell-sand beaches, turquoise waters and interesting wildlife.

We return to the Isle of Mull by ferry and enjoy dinner together back at the hotel.

*Please note: The visit on the Isle of Iona will be on foot and is therefore unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Day 7
Jacobite Train Rail Journey through the Highlands

We catch the morning ferry back to Oban and head to the bustling port of Mallaig. From here we board the famous Jacobite Train, featured in the Harry Potter movies, which takes us across the mountainous west coast of Scotland to Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands and known for its breathtaking location on the shores of Loch Linnhe. This iconic railway is one of the top rail journeys in the world and takes in such wonderful sights as the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We enjoy afternoon tea aboard the train.

Later, we rejoin the coach and head to the Hilton Glasgow Hotel, our base for the last three nights of our tour.

The evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements in the city.

Day 8
Edinburgh by Train with Guided Walking Tour

We catch the train to Edinburgh. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour of Scotland’s vibrant capital city. Most of the city’s sights can be found within the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town, all overlooked by the iconic castle perched high above the city. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your leisure.

Back in Glasgow, the evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements.

Day 9
Ayr and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

We travel to Ayr, a popular seaside resort situated on the Firth of Clyde. The resort boasts a charming seafront with an esplanade and long sandy beach plus a wide range of independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Our final stop is the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. We discover the humble cottage where the famous Scottish poet was born and lived with his family, side by side with their farm animals. We also have time to explore the museum which displays the world’s most important collection of Burns' original works and personal belongings. While here, we are led by a bagpiper to enjoy lunch of a re-creation of a traditional Burns Supper featuring an address to the haggis and a whiskey toast to the Bard.

The evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements

Day 10
Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Glasgow airport for your return flight home.

What’s Included

• Airport transfers from Glasgow airport*
• 4 nights at the Mar Hall Hotel
• 2 nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel
• 3 nights at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel
• Welcome drink and canapés
• Full English breakfast each day
• 6 dinners
• Services of a tour director throughout your stay
• Travel to and from all excursions
• Ferry journeys
• All entrance costs
• Porterage

*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Special extras included in your itinerary

• Guided coach tour of Glasgow
• Boat cruise on Loch Lomond
• Guided tour, private collections talk and afternoon tea at Mount Stuart House
• Guided tour of Inveraray Castle
• Introductory talk at Duart Castle
• Afternoon tea aboard the Jacobite Train
• Guided walking tour of Edinburgh
• Burns Supper at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Nights One to Four - The Mar Hall Hotel and Spa

The privately owned Mar Hall Hotel is a luxury five star, golf and spa resort found within the Earl of Mar Estate, and set within a tranquil 240 acre woodland estate overlooking the River Clyde. The Edwardian Mansion has individually designed bedrooms, a championship golf course, spa and swimming pool.

Nights Five and Six - Isle of Mull Hotel

The Isle of Mull Hotel is situated in Craignure on the scenic south east coast of the Isle of Mull. Offering a more simple style of accommodation, the hotel features a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.

Nights Seven to Nine - Hilton Glasgow Hotel

The Hilton Glasgow Hotel enjoys a central location in the city of Glasgow. The hotel offers stylish and spacious rooms with stunning city views, a bar, restaurant and tea lounge. The health club features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and gym. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.